Date

TechComm 101

Overview

Technical communication is an exciting and challenging career that offers unlimited opportunity for professional development. But to succeed, it's not enough to learn a desktop publishing or Help Authoring Tool—you need to master the analysis process. This is a thinking person's dream career!

TechComm 101 is the fastest, most efficient way to jump-start your career in technical communication. It covers key theory that you can immediately apply to your work, as well as giving you the skills you need to continue to learn and grow.

Each element of theory is presented with hands-on exercises, real-world examples, and plenty of discussion. The course is sure to leave you feeling enthusiastic and well-prepared to get started in the field.

Learning Objectives

Understand the role of the technical communicator.

Identify how TC writing differs from other kinds of writing.

Correct common mistakes in writing.

Master the correct writing style for TC.

Be able to target your audience.

Recognize and treat hazards in documentation.

Learn and apply key theory for TC work.

Write effective definitions and procedures.

Develop visual design skills.

Identify the purpose and key elements of main TC documentation types.

Sessions and Work Requirements

Seven weekly 90-minute online lectures

Weekly homework assignments

Final exam

Intended Audience

Anyone new to the field.

Anyone working in the field without formal training.

Professionals returning to writing positions after a hiatus.

Session Descriptions

Session 1—Introduction and Grammar Review

This session will provide an overview of the role of technical communicators in a company. Learn how technical communication differs from other forms of writing. Discover how to avoid mistakes that can detract from documentation and review grammar and punctuation issues.

Session 2—Four Key TC Concepts (Theory and Application)

The following four key concepts to technical communication will be covered:

Session 6—Design and Layout

Session 7—Editing and Moving On

Discover how to write with clarity, avoid ambiguity, and be proactive in flagging suspicious data to produce better documents. This session will assist in the preparation for an ongoing learning experience in your new career.

Presenter Biography

Leah Guren entered the field of technical communication in 1980. Her experience as a writer, editor, tech pubs manager, and consultant allowed her to develop a variety of technical communication training programs. Leah trains new writers for this field, as well as conducting seminars and in-house training for TCs of all levels, engineers, and managers. Her clients include many of the top high-tech companies in Israel.

Leah is best known for her ability to bring dry theory to life, illustrating rules with real-life examples and providing clear, practical guidelines which can be applied by writers of all levels and experience. An Associate Fellow with STC, Leah is a regular speaker at STC and other international technical communication conferences, and has served on STC's Board of Directors. For more information, see Cow TC (www.cowtc.com) or contact Leah.

What They're Saying

"I just wanted to thank you for what you have provided to me and the other students. Your lessons have started me on the right path and given me a wealth of information to work with as I aspire to become a professional technical communicator. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your efforts." —A. P.

"Thanks for a great course! I have nothing but great things to say about it and about [Leah's] instruction. ... I found [her] handling of a lively bunch of student questions to be on point, well formulated, and therefor confident and reliable. Excellent!" —J. M.

"I have learned an amazing amount in this course. I feel like I've grown a great deal too. This course has challenged me in many ways and has made me look at writing so differently. I feel that I have a strong foundation on which to build, thanks to Leah's instruction and all the advice and links that she has shared." —R. N.

"I wanted to thank you for a great experience with my first STC class. Leah is a great instructor and I really enjoyed my classes and assignments. This course has made me realize that I do quite enjoy being a technical communicator!" —T. P.

"Many thanks for an outstanding course. Your experience and passion for the subject matter shines through and actually makes the course." —C. W.

"Thank you again for offering the TechComm 101 course. I truly enjoyed the course and learned much more than I expected. I am now much more excited about my new career in technical communication and hope to cross paths with you sometime in the future." —T. C.

"Thank you for teaching this course. It is precisely what I needed at exactly the right time." —J. G.

"I learned tons from the sessions. See you in TechComm 201!" —P. M.

"The course was well-designed, and it was a pleasure to take it. It's all the better when the instructor has so much experience in the field to draw on." —K. S.

"I'm finding the class to be very informative and helpful. You're covering all the topics that apply to my current position. The homework assignments challenge me, reinforce key concepts, and stretch my thought process." —D. V.

"What I learned in your course will definitely impact my ability to meet expectations in my new role at work." —C. H.

"I learned a lot and came away with so many new ideas that I’m still in the process of trying to think through them all. Thanks so much for a great experience!" —J. S.

"I wanted to again thank you for two very good and informative classes through STC [TechComm 101 and 201]. I now feel better armed to enter the TC industry!" —D. R.

"I've been applying what I've learned in our class for my one-and-only client and they are very pleased. I've been a part-time medical technical communication consultant for nine months, and they now want to hire me full time! I'll be coordinating all med device product labeling creation, revision, and translation. ... Thank you for all great lessons learned so far!" —A. E.

Online Courses

Each course is offered separately and includes five to eight sessions. To obtain a certificate of attendance, participants must log in for each of the sessions.

Members $595 each; Not Yet Members $995 each; Student Members $295 each

Note: Cost is transferable to another certificate course but is not refundable

A discount is available for additional attendees from the same company. For these special prices, please contact Molly Jin.